Two Men Charged in Alleged ISIS-Inspired Terror Plot Targeting Detroit-Area LGBTQ+ Bars

Federal authorities have charged two Michigan men, Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud, with terrorism-related offenses for allegedly planning an ISIS-inspired attack on LGBTQ+ bars in the Detroit area. According to a 72-page criminal complaint unsealed in federal court, the 20-year-old men had acquired high-powered weapons, practiced at shooting ranges, and conducted reconnaissance of potential targets in Ferndale, a suburb of Detroit.

The complaint indicates that Ali, Mahmoud, and co-conspirators were inspired by the Islamic State group's extremism. A minor, identified only as Person 1, was also deeply involved in the discussions. The FBI had been surveilling the suspects for weeks, utilizing methods such as pole-mounted cameras and access to encrypted chats and social media. The men reportedly referred to "pumpkins" in their conversations, a code word for a planned Halloween attack.

FBI Director Kash Patel announced the arrests following raids in Dearborn and Inkster. The searches uncovered tactical vests, backpacks, AR-15-style rifles, ammunition, loaded handguns, and GoPro cameras. The suspects appeared in federal court on Monday and will remain in custody pending a November 10 detention hearing.

Defense attorney Amir Makled dismissed the allegations over the weekend, describing them as the result of "hysteria" and "fear-mongering."

Ferndale, known for its LGBTQ+ pride celebrations, attracts tens of thousands of people to its annual Pride parade. Former Mayor Dave Coulter, who is gay, expressed concern over the alleged plot, recalling the pain of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy in Orlando, Florida, nine years ago.

This case marks the second Islamic State-inspired terror plot thwarted in the Detroit area in 2025. In May, the FBI arrested a man who had spent months planning an attack against a U.S. Army site in Warren. The suspect has pleaded not guilty and remains in custody.